Success Stories
James Sutherland
Contagious is not a strong enough word to describe James Sutherland's positive attitude and commitment to Goodwill of Central Texas. Ask anyone at the Goodwill Community Center about James Sutherland and you get big smiles and a flood of compliments.
James lives and breathes the Goodwill mission. For six years, he has worked as a custodian for Goodwill's commercial services department, which provides employees for contracts with organizations such as the IRS and Camp Mabry.
“James exemplifies everything Goodwill looks for in its employees: responsibility, reliability, conscientiousness, commitment, cooperation, and diligence,” said Melvin Capler, director of contract services. “He has a positive attitude and takes pride in his job and in the company.”
James came to Goodwill through the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) program. Upon his successful completion of the program, he continued to work at Goodwill in the commercial services department. James was trained in varied janitorial and maintenance services to enhance his practices and abilities.
Melvin says, “James has performed his responsibilities at a superior level and is a credit to the organization and a good ambassador for the mission.”
James not only does a superior job during the work week. He also participates in Goodwill functions outside of work – Weigh Good donation drives, Halloween events (he even modeled in last year's fashion show) and store openings and the list goes on.
He loves sports and works concessions at UT games. He's even seen in the stands at high school football games. He also volunteers at nearly all the charity run marathons in Austin. “I usually arrive at 5:00 a.m. to help set up and just do what needs to be done to help,” he says.
James says he couldn't believe he was nominated to be in the Hall of Honor. “I am very excited and overwhelmed. I don't see people's barriers. I love Goodwill and plan to stay until it's time to retire.”